Dear Parents and Carers,

As we prepare to celebrate Mother's Day, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all the extraordinary mothers in our school community.

Mother's Day is a beautiful opportunity for us to honour and appreciate the remarkable women who enrich our lives with their boundless love, strength, and grace. This year, as we reflect on the significance of motherhood, I invite us to draw inspiration from the ultimate mother figure in Catholic tradition: Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary's unwavering faith, courage, and unconditional love serve as a timeless example for mothers everywhere. Her steadfast devotion to her son, Jesus, and her willingness to embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood with grace and humility resonate deeply with all of us.

Like Mary, mothers in our community embody the virtues of compassion, sacrifice, and resilience as they nurture and guide their children with love and devotion. Whether you're comforting a child in need, offering words of encouragement, or instilling values of kindness and empathy, your influence shapes the hearts and minds of our students in profound ways.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us honour the sacred bond between mother and child, and let us express our deepest gratitude to all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures who bless our lives with their presence.

May Mary's example inspire us to cultivate a spirit of love, compassion, and selflessness in our own lives, and may we always cherish the invaluable gift of motherhood.

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories with your loved ones.

Catholic Life & Mission

Last term myself, and Miss Alana Stroligo, Religious Education Coordinator, had the pleasure of attending a System-wide Strategic Professional Learning day alongside all other principals from the diocese on engaging students in their Catholic spiritual journey at our school. We were given the opportunity to reflect on key church documents, especially focusing on the document by our own Bishop Brian “Bearers of Christ Love”.  This was an invaluable day and learnings from the day will help to drive our Vision and Mission ‘In the richness of our Catholic faith and tradition we achieve excellence’ along with our school motto to be ‘Constant in Faith’.

Tell Them From Me

On behalf of the entire St. Paul's community, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your valuable feedback provided through the recent Tell Them From Me survey. Your input is invaluable to us as we strive to continuously improve and enhance the educational experience for our students. Your thoughtful responses offer insights and perspectives that help us better understand the needs and aspirations of our school community.

The Tell Them From Me Survey was also completed by our staff and the Year 4, 5 & 6 students. As we review and reflect on the feedback received, please know that all voices are heard and valued. The feedback will inform our efforts to make meaningful changes and improvements that benefit all members of our school community.

Uniform

As your principal, it's my priority to ensure that our school environment is conducive to learning, growth, and inclusivity for every member of our community.

It's important for me to emphasise that my focus on the uniform policy has been entirely in response to the voices of our school community. As communicated in our Term 1 Week 6 Newsletter, it's crucial for all students to adhere to our uniform policy, which includes general appearance and haircut requirements. This policy isn't just about attire; it's about instilling a sense of pride, unity, and professionalism within our school community.

I want to emphasise that this policy extends to all school events and activities. This  includes but is not limited to representation at sports competitions, academic events, excursions or community engagements. Students are expected to comply with the uniform policy in its entirety. This includes adherence to guidelines for general appearance and haircut requirements.

Failure to comply with the uniform policy on such occasions will result in students being withdrawn from the event. It's essential for all students to understand and respect these guidelines, as they reflect our school's values and commitment to maintaining a positive and cohesive environment.

I appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring that our students uphold the standards expected of them. 

Parent-School Partnership

At St. Paul's, we firmly believe that education is a collaborative effort between home and school. When enrolling your child at St. Paul's, you enter into a vital partnership with us in the education and development of your child. This partnership is built on open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to your child's academic success, personal growth, and well-being. Together, we will work hand in hand to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We value your involvement and engagement in your child's education and look forward to embarking on this journey together.

As we are aware many of our students are immersed in the digital world, it is important to support our students to learn the skills to keep themselves safe online and the importance of safe and positive digital use and citizenship. Parents play an important role in teaching these skills. Here are a few simple tips parents can put into place.

Set limits and encourage playtime. Media use, like all other activities, should have reasonable limits. Unstructured and offline play stimulates creativity. Try and make unplugged playtime a part of your child's day.  

Screen time shouldn't always be alone time. Co-view, co-play, and co-engage with your children when they are using screens—​it encourages social interactions, bonding, and learning. Play a video game with your child. It's a good way to demonstrate good sportsmanship and gaming etiquette. Watch a show with them; you will have the opportunity to introduce and share your own life experiences and perspectives—and guidance. 

Understanding the Apps your child is using. Common Sense Media is an excellent site for reviews about age-appropriate apps, games, and programs to guide you in making the best choices for your child. The Carly Ryan Foundation also helps unpack various apps- this week's feature app for our newsletter is ROBLOX

It is important to remember there are many factors to consider when determining if a child should be allowed to use an app. The age restrictions are guides on the minimum age a child should be exposed to the content of the app. There are many other factors that need to be considered such as the chat functions. See some tips listed below. 

Consider setting a family contract to help children understand their responsibilities when going online.

Perseverance

This term we will look at a new school value, Perseverance.

One scripture story that we will use to explain perseverance at school is the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7). Jesus is like the shepherd in the story, and we are like the sheep. Jesus watches over us and helps protect us from danger. He doesn’t give up on us when we make mistakes. And He rejoices when we repent and return to His gospel. The other scripture story that will be used is the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:2-9). Growing some things from seed needs perseverance. In the scripture seeds struggle in thorns and on hard rocky ground. But those that persevere grow into great trees. The seeds are likened to people. If we don’t give up we grow in the Kingdom of God.

At St Paul’s we need to show perseverance in all our tasks. We must try to be the best we can be and not give up regardless of the challenges we may face. Students will be encouraged to develop a positive growth mindset where the power of yet is promoted.

Feast of the Ascension

On Thursday 9th May, we recognise the Feast of the Ascension. At the Ascension, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God, after encouraging his disciples to preach the Good News to others. Students will recognise this significant event in the Church Year in classrooms and through prayer. 

Easter

The key event of the story of Jesus is the Resurrection - Easter. It is the climax of Jesus’ life and mission. After the Resurrection the disciples were changed. Their memory and understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus are all viewed through this great event of his Resurrection.

The Paschal Mystery is a central mystery of the Christian tradition. The Paschal Mystery refers to the Passion, including death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead, then ascended into heaven.

Students will celebrate Easter with a Liturgy on Friday 17th May. Thank you to Year 2 for leading this celebration. We warmly invite parents and carers to join us in the School Hall from 2:30pm.

Project Compassion

A huge thank you to the school community for raising $1167.15 towards Project Compassion. These funds were a result of our Shrove Tuesday fundraiser and the collection of Project Compassion boxes from students.

Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.

Month of May

In the Catholic Church the month of May is Mary’s month. It’s the month we honour Blessed Mary as the Mother of Jesus and our Heavenly Mother. Take time to pray the Hail Mary this month.

Confirmation

On Tuesday 21st May and Wednesday 22nd May at 7pm, Confirmation candidates from the St Paul’s Parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We keep these students in our prayers over the coming weeks.

Vinnies Winter Appeal for Homelessness

Many staff members have been deeply moved by the documentary series “Filthy Rich and Homeless,” which has highlighted the hardships faced by the thousands who are homeless in our community. The reality of this has hit close to home particularly as we have reflected on the many more people who have found themselves homeless due to the financial hardships.

As a community of faith we wanted to take action in supporting those who are homeless. Our aim is to raise money for the homeless in our community and to build awareness of the hardships faced by those living in poverty.

In the coming weeks we will have:

• From Week 4 to Week 5, we're requesting students to bring in a designated boxed item of food. Then, on the Friday of Week 5, students will have the chance to bring their boxed items to a designated location within the school to construct a boxed brick wall. These items will then be donated to our local St Vincent de Paul Society. I will keep you poster regarding food donations in the coming weeks. 

• On Friday, June 21st, students are encouraged to attend school dressed in pyjamas. On this day, they will also have the opportunity to enjoy cinnamon donuts and hot chocolate for $5. Further details regarding payment and orders will be communicated in the following weeks.

• Additionally, on Friday, June 21st, both students and parents are invited to join the staff in the School Hall from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. During this event, students are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and cardboard box to sit on. This gathering aims to provide students with an insight into the experience of a person living in homelessness. Staff and Parents can share photos of their family engaging in a sleepout at home which will be shared via the SPAP social media and newsletter. 

Mini Vinnies

Mrs. Calleja and I have been overseeing a Mini Vinnies Team throughout Term 1. This team has attracted a significant number of students, particularly from Years 3 to 6. Every Monday during their playtime, these students come together to engage in various activities and discussions aimed at fostering their understanding of certain values or principles. The goal is to educate them about important topics while also promoting teamwork and community involvement through the lens of Mini Vinnies initiatives.

Across this time we have been monitoring and tracking their attendance as this will determine the number of students who receive a badge at an upcoming assembly. In the coming weeks, students will be informed if they will be a recipient for a badge. On Thursday 23rd May from 2:30pm, Tony from St Vincent de Paul will be joining us during our afternoon assembly for this event.

Attendance at Parish Mass

Students from the older grades will be attending Mass on the Friday’s below. Parents and carers are invited to attend Mass, followed by an opportunity to visit the grade classroom and have morning tea in the hall. Mass begins at 9:30am in St Paul’s Catholic Church.

Save the Date - Liturgy 

Save the Date - Assembly/Prayer

Alana Stroligo - Acting Religious Education Coordinator

PB4L Focus Week 1 & 2: Revision of Classroom Routines and Expectations

Students have spent time revising how they can follow our school rules of Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe in the classroom and playground by following established classroom and playground routines and demonstrating expected behaviour.  

Teachers will be rewarding those students who have been demonstrating respectful, responsible and safe behaviour using their classroom reward systems and by awarding raffle tickets on the playground.

Raffle tickets awarded on the playground are included in a draw that takes place each Monday.  One student from each grade is drawn from the PB4L raffle to select a prize.  

PB4L Focus Weeks 3 & 4: We need to be self-aware so that we can follow the school rules

Over the past number of years,  the St Paul's community focussed on the social and emotional development of students through the practice of social and emotional learning (SEL).  The aim of embedding SEL into the context of St Paul's is to assist in the development of a positive climate within our school and to equip students with the knowledge and skills to function with the complex social and emotional contexts of the world.  Through the PB4L Framework and the PDHPE syllabus, students have engaged in learning skills within the 5 domains of SEL:

1. Self Awareness: The ability to accurately recognise one's emotions and thoughts and their influence on behaviour.
2. Self Management: The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts and behaviours in different situations.
3. Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathise with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms of behaviour and to recognise family, school and community resources and supports. 
4. Relationship Skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
5. Responsible Decision Making: The ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behaviour and interactions based on the consideration of others.

During Term 2, the PB4L focus will be on developing self-awareness.  Classroom teachers will explicitly teach students a selection of the following skills:

• Labelling my emotions
• Knowing my strengths
• Positive awareness
• Knowing my triggers
• Knowing my body language

Why is SEL important for learning?

Research supports the concept that the facts a child knows and even early ability to read are not as predictive of school success as are factors like self-assurance, impulse control, ability to seek help from teachers and social skills.  Students with well-developed social and emotional skills find it easier to manage themselves, relate to their peers, develop resilience and a sense of self-worth, resolve conflict, engage in teamwork and feel positive about themselves and the world around them.  Improving social and emotional skills has a positive influence on children's attitudes, behaviours and performance, including academic success.  

ACE Awards: 

Max 2B

Oliver 2B

Harper 2B

Silver 2B

Callie 2B

Ava S 3R

Sophia 3R 

Jaxxon 3B

Kai W 3B

Brianna G 4B

Vito 4R

Kai H 4R

Sofia M 4R

Grace 5B

Nicholas 6B

Mia Ros 6R

Flynn 6R

Logan 6R

Principal's Awards:

Max 2B

Harper 2B

Oliver 2B

Callie 2B

Silver 2B

Jaxxon 3B

Charlotte 3B

Evana 3B 

Brianna G 4B

Sofia M 4R

Grace 5B

Savannah A 6R

Sophie 6B

Mary MacKillop Awards: 

Sofia 4R

Brianna 4B

Grace 5B

Mrs Suzette Bennett and Mrs Belinda Posadas

What we’ve done and where we’re going… 

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 6 students have taken on leadership responsibilities with Aunty Jo Ball on a Wednesday. This term Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will be learning about dance and preparing to perform at the NAIDOC Week school liturgy and assembly. All St Paul’s students will be engaging in Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week learning. 

TERM 2 DATES

Week 4 - Reconciliation Week 

Acknowledged with a whole school assembly led by Year 6 on Thursday 23 May 

Week 5 - Excursion 

Shellharbour Reconciliation Flag Walk for  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students - Monday 27 May

Week 10 - NAIDOC Week

DATE CHANGE - NAIDOC Week Liturgy Assembly is now on 

Wednesday 3 July, Week 10 at 1pm and will be followed with an afternoon tea for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. 

Students will be invited to dress in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags or wear an Aboriginal art shirt. 

Personalised Learning Plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Last term, all families of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students had the opportunity to provide information and feedback for their child’s Personalised Learning Plan (PLP). A digital copy of the information we receive is sent through Compass to parents.

Parents are encouraged to discuss Personalised Learning Plans during parent teacher learning conversation opportunities such as mid-year report conversations or Personalised Plan conversations.

Staff Professional Learning and Sharing Culture

Last week Aunty Jo and Julianne attended Walking Together to Bridge the Gap, a two day conference in Mittagong attended by Aboriginal Education Assistants, teacher contacts and CEDoW staff from the Wollongong Diocese, Dharawal, Yuin and Gundangarra Countries.

The day started with a smoking ceremony. We explored the ochre from Dharawal Country, Yuin Country and many others. During the conference Uncle Kev shared videos of his painting process. Dr Jodi Edwards spoke about her current research with UOW applying Indigenous knowledge to protect whales and dolphins. Attendees were able to explore contemporary forms of art such as basket and bracelet weaving, soap making, message stick art and canvas art. We had some great discussions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in education, NAIDOC Week plans and reflective Didirri, deep listening. We hope to bring all of this learning back to school to continue to support spiritual and wellbeing development of all students at St Paul’s. 

Thankyou for your ongoing support!

Aunty Jo Ball, Aboriginal Education Assistant 

Julianne Tonini, Kinder teacher and teacher contact for Aboriginal Education

WE’RE TAKING IT IN OUR STRIDE ON FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024 

Well it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking! 

Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. Although walking all the way to school isn’t realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine. 

You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by: 

• Walking with them the whole way to school 
• If they get the bus or train, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop 
• If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way. 

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. It also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic. Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 10 MAY 2024! 

At St Paul’s we will be continuing our tradition of meeting at Albion Park Swimming Pool at 8:30am this Friday 10 May 2024.. Staff will be in high visibility vests to walk with the students to school. Parents and carers are welcome to join. We hope to see you there!

Book Club Issue 3 catalogues have gone home with students. All orders for Book Club - Issue 3 need to be ordered via the LOOP by Tuesday the 14th of May. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash payments. Parents can order and pay online using a Credit Card via the LOOP. 

If you have any Book Club tote bags at home could you please return them to the library. 

Caitlyn Dryden and Christine Calleja

Book Club Coordinators

There is still time to sign up for The Premier's Reading Challenge which closes on the 23rd August. Children are encouraged to read books from the book lists and further information can be found on the PRC website. This is not a competition but a challenge aimed at encouraging children to read, to read more and to read more widely. If your child would like to sign up and they need their login details and password please contact Mrs Harb harbc02@dow.catholic.edu.au or Mrs Frendo frendol01@dow.catholic.edu.au 

WriteOn is an annual writing competition open to all NSW primary students in Years 1 to 6.

The annual WriteOn competition gives students the opportunity to become published authors and develop skills in writing to express their ideas.

Students are to compose an imaginative text of up to 500 words, using an image as the stimulus.

Each year, winning entries are published in 'The Best of WriteOn' anthology. The 2023 version of the anthology is available for purchase from the  NESA Shop.

The WriteOn 2024 competition opens on Monday 25 March (Week 9, Term 1) and closes at 4 pm on Friday 28 June (Week 9, Term 2).

More information about the competition can be found here and further details will be communicated via NESA News and on this webpage on Monday 25 March.

If your child is interested in entering the NESA WriteOn Competition, please email their submission to info@spapdow.catholic.edu.au and Bree-Anna Fogliada will enter the submission.  For any additional information, please contact Bree-Anna Fogliada via the school office. 

Next Monday 13th May, Year 5 and 6 students will be participating in a Leadership Day program facilitated by Cameron Brown from Explore! Discover! Act. This will be taking place in the St Paul’s school hall.

Stage 3 students will be able to wear appropriate mufti clothes, including enclosed shoes that are appropriate for physical activity. They will be provided with pizza for Break 2. Students will be required to bring their own morning tea and water bottle.

Program Outline

Explore (the possibilities) - Examine and process personal and shared leadership by building

an individual and shared connection, understanding and vocabulary.

Discover (potential) - Engage in challenges and reflection that build awareness and

appreciation of our ability to lead within our daily thoughts, words and actions.

Act (authentically) - Connect learning to leadership environments, empowering participants with transferable skills, attitudes and behaviours.

* Increased awareness of and deepening connection to self, others and the world around us.

* Develop an appreciation for the ability to lead in our daily thoughts, words and actions.

* Value the role of connection and interdependence while working towards authentic goals.

* Express an attitude and sense of empowerment within the learning process.

We are looking forward to a great day of learning and leadership.

The following dates are for the upcoming P&F Meetings for the remainder of the year: 

• 11 March Term 1

• 27 May - Term 2

• 19 August - Term 3

• 11 Nov - Term 4

All meetings begin at 6:30pm and conclude at 7:30pm. 

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION IN 2024

Dear Parents and Carers of Catholic Children in Year 3.

If you wish for your child to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2024, there will be a Parent Discernment Meeting on Tuesday 14th May in the Church from 7:00pm.

This meeting is for parents/carers only. If you are unable to attend this meeting, you will need to arrange a private meeting with Fr Leo.

No application forms will be issued to anyone who has not attended either the discernment meeting or met with Fr Leo.

Please check the St Paul's Parish website (www.stpaulsparish.org.au) for information on dates and expectations of the parish for this year's Sacramental Program.

Coordinator, Sacramental Programme

St Paul's Parish